The first production Ford Model T leaves the Piquette Plant in Detroit, Mich. It was the first car ever manufactured on an assembly line, with interchangeable parts. The auto industry was to become a major U.S. employer, accounting for as many as one of every eight to 10 jobs in the country .- Union Communication Services

National conference call for carhaul TeamstersAug. 2, 2016|Carhaul members are urged to take part in a national conference call to learn more about the tentative national contract and regional supplements. To join the call, click here for details.

2016 Steward Training Seminar registration deadline is Sept. 14thAug. 2, 2016|Shop stewards: By now you should have received information regarding Local 355's Shop Steward Training Seminar scheduled for October 19th through October 23rd, including an outline of events, registration information and the registration form that must be returned by September 14th. The seminar is a great way to take advantage of the expertise and knowledge of veteran stewards and union instructors. Please complete the registration as soon as possible, enclose it in the postage-paid envelope and drop it in the mail. Questions? Call us at the Local Union office: 410-566-5700

Members are still standing strong as strike nears its fourth monthAug. 4, 2016|Today marks the 100th day that our brothers and sisters have been out on an unfair labor practices strike that began at 2 pm on April 27, 2016. Local 355 charged the company with bad-faith bargaining over its decision to close its only Maryland distribution center and move operations to non-union centers in Virginia. (Recap here.) Members employed as drivers, loaders and mechanics have manned the picket lines at the facility in Severn day and night since. They've distributed informational fliers to US Foods customers, moved the strike line to other US Foods facilities across the country, and supported each other in any way they could. Some have had to move on to other jobs, but they faithfully return to the picket line as often as they can in support of the cause. "Come back next month too. We'll still be here if we have to be here," Dave Moore said. Charlie Grams suggested with a chuckle that we get winter clothes ready. "We thought we might be ready to close this up two weeks ago, but nothing came of it," said Jay Treuth. "If we have to be here 'til Christmas, we'll be here 'til Christmas." President Denis Taylor said he hopes to reach an agreement that will provide appropriate compensation to our US Foods members for the loss of their jobs when the food distributor moved their work to an out-of-state, non-union facility. The company closed the center June 10, 2016.

Leaders of carhaul local unions overwhelmingly endorse tentative agreementAug. 5, 2016|The tentative agreement has been unanimously endorsed by the Teamsters National Automobile Transporters Industry Negotiating Committee (TNATINC). It is retroactive to September 1, 2015 and runs 60 months, until August 31, 2020. Ballots are scheduled to be mailed out to members on or about August 22 and tentatively scheduled to be counted on September 15. This schedule will allow local unions enough time to conduct informational meetings. Details here.

National Dems back $15 min. wage. Baltimore Dems, not so muchAug. 12, 2016|The bill is in real danger of failing, Councilman Robert Curran told In These Times, as advocates for the legislation have been unable so far to line up the required eight votes for final passage.

Combating 'drowsy driving' requires keeping trucker standardsAug. 12, 2016|The Teamsters have been leaders in standing up for proper rest breaks for truck drivers. After all, union drivers know all-to-well what can happen when forced to work too many hours on the road. But now a new report shows the true dangers that come from "drowsy driving." teamster.org

Baltimore's Democratic City Council kills $15 minimum wage bill, for nowAug. 17, 2016|The Baltimore City Council derailed a proposed increase in the minimum wage to $15 an hour Monday, highlighting the ambivalence among many Democratic Party leaders over whether to support the national Fight for $15 movement. Pro-business members on the all-Democrat 15-member council were able to hold together an alliance against the higher minimum wage and voted 8-6 to return the proposed legislation to committee for revision. The maneuver appears to have effectively killed the bill, at least for this year. inthesetimes.com

Trucker driver job-related injuries in overdriveAug. 18, 2016|When you think of dangerous jobs, what comes to your mind? Police officers, firefighters and construction workers might top the list for most people. Tractor-trailer truck drivers probably don't come to mind, but Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that driving a truck is risky in ways you might not expect… blog.dol.gov

Watch last week's Teamster Leadership DebateAug. 30, 2016|Fred Zuckerman and Ken Hall, candidates for Teamster top offices, participated in a debate last Thursday at the National Press Club. c-span.org

Teamsters Union endorses Hillary Clinton for PresidentAug. 30, 2016|The Teamsters General Executive Board last week unanimously voted to endorse the former senator and secretary of state. "We are proud to endorse Hillary Clinton for President of the United States," said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. "She is the right candidate for the middle class and working men and women across the country. She will stand strong for the workers of America by fighting to reject job-killing trade deals, enforcing labor laws and working to provide retirement security for millions of people who have sacrificed so much for the chance to retire with dignity…" teamster.org